2&#39;-Methyl-5-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)1,1&#39;-biphenyl-4-carboxaide derivatives and their use as p38 kinase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formula (I), wherein R 1  is a phenyl group which may be optionally substituted; R 2  is selected from hydrogen, C 1-6  alkyl and (CH 2 ) p —C 3-7 cycloalkyl; R 3  is the group: (Formula II), R 4  is selected from hydrogen and C 1-4  alkyl; U is selected from methyl and halogen; X and Y are each selected independently from hydrogen, methyl and halogen; m is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, and may be optionally substituted with up to two groups selected independently from C 1-6  alkyl; n is selected from 0, 1 and 2; p is selected from 0, 1 and 2; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, and their use as pharmaceuticals, particularly as p38 kinase inhibitors.

[0001] This invention relates to novel compounds and their use as pharmaceuticals, particularly as p38 kinase inhibitors, for the treatment of certain diseases and conditions.

[0002] We have now found a group of novel compounds that are inhibitors of p38 kinase.

[0003] According to the invention there is provided a compound of formula (I):

[0004] wherein

[0005] R¹ is a phenyl group which may be optionally substituted;

[0006] R² is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆-alkyl and —(CH₂)_(p)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl;

[0007] R³ is the group

[0008] R⁴ is selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄alkyl;

[0009] U is selected from methyl and halogen;

[0010] X and Y are each selected independently from hydrogen, methyl and halogen;

[0011] m is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, and may be optionally substituted with up to two groups selected independently from C₁₋₆alkyl;

[0012] n is selected from 0, 1 and 2;

[0013] p is selected from 0, 1 and 2;

[0014] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a compound of formula (IA):

[0016] wherein R¹, R², R³ and m are as defined above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0017] The group R¹ may be optionally substituted by up to three substituents, more preferably one or two substituents, selected independently from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, benzyloxy, hydroxy, cyano, hydroxyC₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)CO(CH₂)_(q)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)CO₂R⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)COR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)OCONR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COOR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)COR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵SO₂R⁷, —SO₂R⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, —O(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵CO(CH₂)_(q)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)CONR^(5O) ₂R⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)SO₂NR⁵COR⁷, phenyl group optionally substituted by group A and phenyloxy optionally substituted by a group A; or R¹ may be optionally substituted by two adjacent substituents which, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, form a five- or six-membered saturated or unsaturated ring to give a fused bicyclic ring system. The ring that is fused to the phenyl ring may optionally contain one or two heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. The group R¹ may also be optionally substituted by three, more preferably one or two, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl groups.

[0018] R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, benzyl, —(CH₂)₄OH, —(CH₂)_(r)NR⁸R⁹ and phenyl optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from C₁₋₆alkyl halogen and C₁₋₆alkoxy; or R⁵ and R⁶ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, form a five or six-membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing one additional heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen, wherein the ring may be optionally substituted with C₁₋₄alkyl.

[0019] R⁷ is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, trifluoromethyl, phenyl optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, halogen, —(CH₂)_(r)OH, and —(CH₂)_(r)NR⁸R⁹.

[0020] R⁸ and R⁹ are independently selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄alkyl.

[0021] A is selected from halogen, —SO₂NR^(x)R^(y), —NR⁵COC₁₋₆alkyl and —NR⁵SO₂C₁₋₆alkyl.

[0022] R^(x) and R^(y) independently are hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl or together with the nitrogen to which they are bound form a five or six-membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing one nitrogen atom, wherein the ring may be optionally substituted with methyl.

[0023] q is selected from 0, 1, 2 and 3.

[0024] r is selected from 2 and 3.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the molecular weight of a compound of formula (I) does not exceed 1000, more preferably 800, even more preferably 600.

[0026] The optional substituents on the group R¹ may be located on any position on the phenyl ring. In a more preferred embodiment, when there is one substituent on the group R¹, that substituent is located on the meta- or para-position relative to the amide linkage. When there are two optional substituents on the group R¹, these substituents preferably occupy the meta- and para-positions relative to the amide linkage.

[0027] Preferred substituents for the group R¹ are halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, trifluoromethyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, benzyloxy, hydroxy, cyano, —CH₂CH₂OH, —(CH₂)_(p)—NHCH₃, —(CH₂)_(p)—N(CH₃)₂, —(CH₂)_(p)CONR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)CO₂R⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)OCOR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)OCONR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COOR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)COR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵SO₂R⁷, —SO₂R⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵CONR⁵R⁶ and —(CH₂)_(p)CONR⁵SO₂R⁷. In a particularly preferred embodiment, substituents for the group R¹ are selected from halogen, in particular chlorine or fluorine; C₁₋₄alkyl, in particular methyl; C₁₋₄alkoxy, in particular methoxy; trifluoromethyl; benzyloxy; hydroxy; cyano; hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, in particular —CH₂CH₂OH; —(CH₂)_(p)CO(CH₂)_(q)NR⁵R⁶, in particular —CONH₂ or —CONHCH₃; —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COR⁷, in particular —NHCOCH₃ or —CH₂NHCOCH₃; —(CH₂)_(p)COR⁷, in particular where R⁷ is phenyl optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from C₁₋₆alkyl and C₁₋₆alkoxy; —(CH₂)_(p)SO₂NR⁵R⁶, in particular —SO₂NH₂; —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵SO₂R⁷, in particular —NHSO₂CH₃ or where R⁷ is phenyl optionally substituted by C₁₋₆alkyl; —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, in particular —N(CH₃)₂ or —CH₂N(CH₃)₂; —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵CO(CH₂)_(q)NR⁵R⁶, in particular —CH₂NHCONHC₆H₅ or —CH₂NHCONHC₂H₅; —(CH₂)_(p)CONR⁵SO₂R⁷, in particular —CONHSO₂CH₃; and a phenyl group optionally substituted by group A or phenyloxy optionally substituted by a group A, in particular where A is —SO₂NH₂, —NHCOCH₃ or —NHSO₂CH₃. Alternatively, R¹ may be optionally substituted by two adjacent substituents which, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, form a five- or six-membered saturated or unsaturated ring to give a fused bicyclic ring system.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, R² is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl or —CH₂-cyclopropyl, more preferably hydrogen.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, R⁴ is selected from C₁₋₄alkyl, more preferably methyl.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl and phenyl.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment R⁷ is selected from C₁₋₄alkyl and trifluoromethyl. In a further preferred embodiment, R⁷ is phenyl optionally substituted by up to three groups selected from C₁₋₆alkyl and C₁₋₆alkoxy.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, R⁸ and R⁹ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl and trifluoromethyl.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, X and Y are each selected independently from hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine. In a further preferred embodiment, X is fluorine.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, m is selected from 0, 1 and 2.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, n is selected from 0 and 1. In particular, n is 0.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, q is selected from 0, 1 and 2.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment r is 2.

[0038] It is to be understood that the present invention covers all combinations of particular and preferred groups described hereinabove.

[0039] Particular compounds according to the invention include those mentioned in the examples and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates. Specific examples which may be mentioned include:

[0040] N-(3-Fluoro4-methoxyphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide;

[0041] N-[(3-Acetylaminomethyl)4-methoxyphenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide;

[0042] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-phenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide;

[0043] N-(3-Cyanophenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide;

[0044] N-[3-(Acetylaminomethyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide;

[0045] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-{3-[(3-phenylureido)methyl]-phenyl}-1,1 ′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide;

[0046] N-{3-[(3-Ethylureido)methyl]phenyl}2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide;

[0047] 2′-Methyl-N-4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]benzyl}-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide; and

[0048] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(p-toluenesulphonamido)-phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide.

[0049] As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to straight or branched hydrocarbon chains containing the specified number of carbon atoms. For example, C₁₋₆alkyl means a straight or branched alkyl containing at least 1, and at most 6, carbon atoms. Examples of “alkyl” as used herein include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, isobutyl, isopropyl and t-butyl. A C₁₋₄alkyl group is preferred, for example methyl, ethyl or isopropyl. The said alkyl groups may be optionally substituted with one or more fluorine atoms, for example, trifluoromethyl.

[0050] As used herein, the term “alkoxy” refers to a straight or branched chain alkoxy group, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, prop-2-oxy, butoxy, but-2-oxy, 2-methylprop-1-oxy, 2-methylprop-2-oxy, pentoxy, or hexyloxy. A C₁₋₄alkoxy group is preferred, for example methoxy or ethoxy.

[0051] As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to a non-aromatic hydrocarbon ring containing the specified number of carbon atoms. For example, C₃₋₇cycloalkyl means a non-aromatic ring containing at least three, and at most seven, ring carbon atoms. Examples of “cycloalkyl” as used herein include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl. A C₃₋₅ cycloalkyl group is preferred, for example cyclopropyl.

[0052] As used herein, the terms “heterocyclic rings” and “heterocyclyl” refer to a monocyclic three- to seven-membered saturated or non-aromatic, unsaturated hydrocarbon ring containing at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. Preferably, the heterocyclyl ring has five or six ring atoms. Examples of heterocyclyl groups include, but are not limited to, aziridinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, morpholino, and thiomorpholino. The said ring may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from C₁₋₆alkyl and oxy.

[0053] As used herein, the term “fused bicyclic ring system” refers to a ring system comprising one phenyl ring and one five- to seven-membered saturated or unsaturated ring, the latter ring optionally containing one or more heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. Preferably, the latter ring has five or six ring atoms. Examples of suitable fused bicyclic rings include, but are not limited to, naphthyl, indolyl, indolinyl, benzothienyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, tetrahydroquinolyl, benzodioxanyl, indanyl and tetrahydronaphthyl. The ring that is fused to the phenyl ring may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, oxy, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, —CO(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, and imidazolyl. Particularly preferred substituents are chlorine, imidazolyl and —CH₂—N(CH₃)₂. The phenyl ring of the fused bicyclic ring system may be optionally substituted with any of the substituents as specified for R¹.

[0054] As used herein, the terms “halogen” or “halo” refer to the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. Preferred halogens are fluorine, chlorine and bromine. A particularly preferred halogen is fluorine.

[0055] As used herein, the term “optionally” means that the subsequently described event(s) may or may not occur, and includes both event(s) which occur and events that do not occur.

[0056] As used herein, the term “substituted” refers to substitution with the named substituent or substituents, multiple degrees of substitution being allowed unless otherwise stated.

[0057] As used herein, the term “solvate” refers to a complex of variable stoichiometry formed by a solute (in this invention, a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof) and a solvent. Such solvents for the purpose of the invention may not interfere with the biological activity of the solute. Examples of suitable solvents include water, methanol, ethanol and acetic acid. Preferably the solvent used is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable solvents include water, ethanol and acetic acid. Most preferably the solvent used is water.

[0058] Certain compounds of formula (I) may exist in stereoisomeric forms (e.g. they may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms or may exhibit cis-trans isomerism). The individual stereoisomers (enantiomers and diastereomers) and mixtures of these are included within the scope of the present invention. The present invention also covers the individual isomers of the compounds represented by formula (I) as mixtures with isomers thereof in which one or more chiral centres are inverted. Likewise, it is understood that compounds of formula (I) may exist in tautomeric forms other than that shown in the formula and these are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] Salts of the compounds of the present invention are also encompassed within the scope of the invention and may, for example, comprise acid addition salts resulting from reaction of an acid with a nitrogen atom present in a compound of formula (I).

[0060] Salts encompassed within the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to non-toxic salts of the compounds of this invention. Representative salts include the following salts: Acetate, Benzenesulfonate, Benzoate, Bicarbonate, Bisulfate, Bitartrate, Borate, Bromide, Calcium Edetate, Camsylate, Carbonate, Chloride, Clavulanate, Citrate, Dihydrochloride, Edetate, Edisylate, Estolate, Esylate, Fumarate, Gluceptate, Gluconate, Glutamate, Glycollylarsanilate, Hexylresorcinate, Hydrabamine, Hydrobromide, Hydrochloride, Hydroxynaphthoate, Iodide, Isethionate, Lactate, Lactobionate, Laurate, Malate, Maleate, Mandelate, Mesylate, Methylbromide, Methylnitrate, Methylsulfate, Monopotassium Maleate, Mucate, Napsylate, Nitrate, N-methylglucamine, Oxalate, Pamoate (Embonate), Palmitate, Pantothenate, Phosphate/diphosphate, Polygalacturonate, Potassium, Salicylate, Sodium, Stearate, Subacetate, Succinate, Tannate, Tartrate, Teoclate, Tosylate, Triethiodide, Trimethylammonium and Valerate. Other salts which are not pharmaceutically acceptable may be useful in the preparation of compounds of this invention and these form a further aspect of the invention.

[0061] The compounds of this invention may be made by a variety of methods, including standard chemistry. Any previously defined variable will continue to have the previously defined meaning unless otherwise indicated. Illustrative general synthetic methods are set out below and then specific compounds of the invention are prepared in the working Examples.

[0062] For example, a general method (A) for preparing the compounds of formula (I) comprises the reactions set out in Scheme 1 below.

[0063] (i) t-butyl carbazate, HOBT, HBTU, DIPEA, DMF

[0064] (ii) TFA

[0065] (iii) R⁴C (OEt)₃

[0066] (iv) (4-Methoxycarbonylphenyl)boronic acid, (Ph₃P)₄Pd, CsCO₃, DME

[0067] (v) LiOH, THF, H₂O

[0068] (vi) R¹(CH₂)_(m)NR²H, HOBT, HBTU, DIPEA, DMF

[0069] For example, a general method (B) for preparing the compounds of formula (I) comprises the reactions set out in Scheme 2 below.

[0070] (i) t-butyl carbazate, HOBT, HBTU, DIPEA, DMF

[0071] (ii) TFA

[0072] (iii) R¹C(OEt)₃

[0073] (iv) Bis(pinacolato)diboron, KOAc, PdCl₂dppf, DMF

[0074] (v) SOCl₂

[0075] (vi) R¹(CH₂)_(m)NR²H Na₂CO₃, acetone

[0076] (vii) (Ph₃P)₄P, Na₂CO₃, DMF

[0077] For example, a general method (C) for preparing the compounds of formula (I) comprises the reactions set out in Scheme 3 below.

[0078] (i) LiOH, THF, H₂O

[0079] (ii) R¹(CH₂)_(m)NH₂, HOBT, HBTU, DIPEA, DMF

[0080] (iii) R²-hal, NaH, DMF

[0081] Thus, according to the invention there is provided a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) which comprises:

[0082] (a) reacting a compound of formula (XI)

[0083] wherein R³, U, X, Y and n are as defined above, with a compound of formula (XII)

R¹(CH₂)_(m)NR²H   (XII)

[0084] wherein R¹, R² and m are as defined above, under amide forming conditions;

[0085] b) reacting a compound of formula (XIII)

[0086] wherein R³, X and Y are as defined above, with a compound of formula (XIV)

[0087] wherein R¹, R², U, m and n are as defined above and hal is halogen, in particular bromine or iodine, in the presence of a catalyst, for example tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium; or

[0088] c) reacting a compound of formula (XV)

[0089] wherein R³, U, X, Y and n are as defined above, with a compound of formula (XVI)

R¹(CH₂)_(m)NH₂   (XVI)

[0090] wherein R¹ and m are as defined above, under amide forming conditions, followed by reaction with a compound of formula (XVII)

R²-hal   (XVII)

[0091] in which R² and hal are as defined above, in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride.

[0092] Suitable amide forming conditions are well known in the art and include treating a solution of the acid, in for example DMF, with an amine in the presence of, for example, HOBT, HBTU and DIPEA.

[0093] Whilst it is possible for the compounds, salts or solvates of the present invention to be administered as the new chemical, the compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates are conveniently administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions. Thus, in another aspect of the invention, we provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in admixture with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients.

[0094] The compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates may be formulated for administration in any suitable manner. They may, for example, be formulated for topical administration or administration by inhalation or, more preferably, for oral, transdermal or parenteral administration. The pharmaceutical composition may be in a form such that it can effect controlled release of the compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates. A particularly preferred method of administration, and corresponding formulation, is oral administration.

[0095] For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition may take the form of, and be administered as, for example, tablets (including sub-lingual tablets) and capsules (each including timed release and sustained release formulations), pills, powders, granules, elixirs, tinctures, emulsions, solutions, syrups or suspensions prepared by conventional means with acceptable excipients.

[0096] For instance, for oral administration in the form of a tablet or capsule, the active drug component can be combined with an oral, non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier such as ethanol, glycerol, water and the like. Powders are prepared by comminuting the compound to a suitable fine size and mixing with a similarly comminuted pharmaceutical carrier such as an edible carbohydrate, as, for example, starch or mannitol. Flavoring, preservative, dispersing and coloring agent can also be present.

[0097] Capsules can be made by preparing a powder mixture as described above, and filling formed gelatin sheaths. Glidants and lubricants such as colloidal silica, talc, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate or solid polyethylene glycol can be added to the powder mixture before the filling operation. A disintegrating or solubilizing agent such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate or sodium carbonate can also be added to improve the availability of the medicament when the capsule is ingested.

[0098] Moreover, when desired or necessary, suitable binders, lubricants, disintegrating agents and coloring agents can also be incorporated into the mixture. Suitable binders include starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, waxes and the like. Lubricants used in these dosage forms include sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like. Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum and the like. Tablets are formulated, for example, by preparing a powder mixture, granulating or slugging, adding a lubricant and disintegrant and pressing into tablets. A powder mixture is prepared by mixing the compound, suitably comminuted, with a diluent or base as described above, and optionally, with a binder such as carboxymethylcellulose, an aliginate, gelatin, or polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a solution retardant such as paraffin, a resorption accelerator such as a quaternary salt and/or an absorption agent such as bentonite, kaolin or dicalcium phosphate. The powder mixture can be granulated by wetting with a binder such as syrup, starch paste, acadia mucilage or solutions of cellulosic or polymeric materials and forcing through a screen. As an alternative to granulating, the powder mixture can be run through the tablet machine and the result is imperfectly formed slugs broken into granules. The granules can be lubricated to prevent sticking to the tablet forming dies by means of the addition of stearic acid, a stearate salt, talc or mineral oil. The lubricated mixture is then compressed into tablets. The compounds of the present invention can also be combined with free flowing inert carrier and compressed into tablets directly without going through the granulating or slugging steps. A clear or opaque protective coating consisting of a sealing coat of shellac, a coating of sugar or polymeric material and a polish coating of wax can be provided. Dyestuffs can be added to these coatings to distinguish different unit dosages.

[0099] Oral fluids such as solution, syrups and elixirs can be prepared in dosage unit form so that a given quantity contains a predetermined amount of the compound. Syrups can be prepared by dissolving the compound in a suitably flavored aqueous solution, while elixirs are prepared through the use of a non-toxic alcoholic vehicle. Suspensions can be formulated by dispersing the compound in a non-toxic vehicle. Solubilizers and emulsifiers such as ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols and polyoxy ethylene sorbitol ethers, preservatives, flavor additives such as peppermint oil or saccharin, and the like can also be added.

[0100] Where appropriate, dosage unit formulations for oral administration can be microencapsulated. The formulation can also be prepared to prolong or sustain the release as for example by coating or embedding particulate material in polymers, wax or the like.

[0101] The compounds of the present invention can also be administered in the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine or phosphatidylcholines.

[0102] The compounds of the present invention can also be administered in the form of liposome emulsion delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine or phosphatidylcholines.

[0103] Compounds of the present invention may also be delivered by the use of monoclonal antibodies as individual carriers to which the compound molecules are coupled. The compounds of the present invention may also be coupled with soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers. Such polymers can include polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamide-phenol, polyhydroxyethylaspartamidephenol, or polyethyleneoxidepolylysine substituted with palmitoyl residues. Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be coupled to a class of biodegradable polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for example, polylactic acid, polepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyric acid, polyorthoesters, polyacetals, polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacrylates and cross-linked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels.

[0104] The present invention includes pharmaceutical compositions containing 0.1 to 99.5%, more particularly, 0.5 to 90% of a compound of the formula (I) in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0105] Likewise, the composition may also be administered in nasal, ophthalmic, otic, rectal, topical, intravenous (both bolus and infusion), intraperitoneal, intraarticular, subcutaneous or intramuscular, inhalation or insufflation form, all using forms well known to those of ordinary skill in the pharmaceutical arts.

[0106] For transdermal administration, the pharmaceutical composition may be given in the form of a transdermal patch, such as a transdermal iontophoretic patch.

[0107] For parenteral administration, the pharmaceutical composition may be given as an injection or a continuous infusion (e.g. intravenously, intravascularly or subcutaneously). The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. For administration by injection these may take the form of a unit dose presentation or as a multidose presentation preferably with an added preservative. Alternatively for parenteral administration the active ingredient may be in powder form for reconstitution with a suitable vehicle.

[0108] The compounds of the invention may also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus, for example, the compounds of the invention may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.

[0109] Alternatively the composition may be formulated for topical application, for example in the form of ointments, creams, lotions, eye ointments, eye drops, ear drops, mouthwash, impregnated dressings and sutures and aerosols, and may contain appropriate conventional additives, including, for example, preservatives, solvents to assist drug penetration, and emollients in ointments and creams. Such topical formulations may also contain compatible conventional carriers, for example cream or ointment bases, and ethanol or oleyl alcohol for lotions. Such carriers may constitute from about 1% to about 98% by weight of the formulation; more usually they will constitute up to about 80% by weight of the formulation.

[0110] For administration by inhalation the compounds according to the invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g. dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, heptafluoropropane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of e.g. gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulated containing a powder mix of a compound of the invention and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.

[0111] The pharmaceutical compositions generally are administered in an amount effective for treatment or prophylaxis of a specific condition or conditions. Initial dosing in human is accompanied by clinical monitoring of symptoms, such symptoms for the selected condition. In general, the compositions are administered in an amount of active agent of at least about 100 μg/kg body weight. In most cases they will be administered in one or more doses in an amount not in excess of about 20 mg/kg body weight per day. Preferably, in most cases, dose is from about 100 μg/kg to about 5 mg/kg body weight, daily. For administration particularly to mammals, and particularly humans, it is expected that the daily dosage level of the active agent will be from 0. 1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg and typically around 1 mg/kg. It will be appreciated that optimum dosage will be determined by standard methods for each treatment modality and indication, taking into account the indication, its severity, route of administration, complicating conditions and the like. The physician in any event will determine the actual dosage which will be most suitable for an individual and will vary with the age, weight and response of the particular individual. The effectiveness of a selected actual dose can readily be determined, for example, by measuring clinical symptoms or standard anti-inflammatory indicia after administration of the selected dose. The above dosages are exemplary of the average case. There can, of course, be individual instances where higher or lower dosage ranges are merited, and such are within the scope of this invention. For conditions or disease states as are treated by the present invention, maintaining consistent daily levels in a subject over an extended period of time, e.g., in a maintenance regime, can be particularly beneficial.

[0112] In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a salt or solvate thereof, for use in therapy.

[0113] The compounds of the present invention are generally inhibitors of the serine/threonine kinase p38 and are therefore also inhibitors of cytokine production which is mediated by p38 kinase. Within the meaning of the term “inhibitors of the serine/threonine kinase p38” are included those compounds that interfere with the ability of p38 to transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a protein substrate according to the assay described below.

[0114] It will be appreciated that the compounds of the invention may be selective for one or more of the isoforms of p38, for example p38α, p38β, p38γ and/or p38δ. In one embodiment, the compounds of the invention selectively inhibit the p38α isoform. In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention selectively inhibit the p38β isoform. In a further embodiment, the compounds of the invention selectively inhibit the p38α and p38β isoforms. Assays for determining the selectivity of compounds for the p38 isoforms are described in, for example, WO 99/61426, WO 00171535 and WO 02146158.

[0115] It is known that p38 kinase activity can be elevated (locally or throughout the body), p38 kinase can be incorrectly temporally active or expressed, p38 kinase can be expressed or active in an inappropriate location, p38 kinase can be constitutively expressed, or p38 kinase expression can be erratic; similarly, cytokine production mediated by p38 kinase activity can be occurring at inappropriate times, inappropriate locations, or it can occur at detrimentally high levels.

[0116] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for the treatment of a condition or disease state mediated by p38 kinase activity, or mediated by cytokines produced by the activity of p38 kinase, in a subject which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The compound may be administered as a single or polymorphic crystalline form or forms, an amorphous form, a single enantiomer, a racemic mixture, a single stereoisomer, a mixture of stereoisomers, a single diastereoisomer or a mixture of diastereoisomers.

[0117] The present invention also provides a method of inhibiting cytokine production which is mediated by p38 kinase activity in a subject, e.g. a human, which comprises administering to said subject in need of cytokine production inhibition a therapeutic, or cytokine-inhibiting, amount of a compound of the present invention. The compound may be administered as a single or polymorphic crystalline form or forms, an amorphous form, a single enantiomer, a racemic mixture, a single stereoisomer, a mixture of stereoisomers, a single diastereoisomer or a mixture of diastereoisomers.

[0118] The present invention treats these conditions by providing a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of this invention. By “therapeutically effective amount” is meant a symptom-alleviating or symptom-reducing amount, a cytokine-reducing amount, a cytokine-inhibiting amount, a kinase-regulating amount and/or a kinase-inhibiting amount of a compound. Such amounts can be readily determined by standard methods, such as by measuring cytokine levels or observing alleviation of clinical symptoms. For example, the clinician can monitor accepted measurement scores for anti-inflammatory treatments.

[0119] The compounds of the present invention can be administered to any subject in need of inhibition or regulation of p38 kinase or in need of inhibition or regulation of p38 mediated cytokine production. In particular, the compounds may be administered to mammals. Such mammals can include, for example, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, mice, dogs, cats, primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, rhesus monkeys, and, most preferably, humans.

[0120] Thus, the present invention provides methods of treating or reducing symptoms in a human or animal subject suffering from, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, chronic pulmonary inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, silicosis, endotoxemia, toxic shock syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, aneurism, stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle degeneration, bone resorption diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, reperfusion injury, graft vs. host reaction, allograft rejections, sepsis, systemic cachexia, cachexia secondary to infection or malignancy, cachexia secondary to aquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), malaria, leprosy, infectious arthritis, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, glomerulonephritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, traumatic arthritis, rubella arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, acute synovitis, gouty arthritis, spondylitis, and non articular inflammatory conditions, for example, herniated/ruptured/prolapsed intervertebral disk syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, fibromyalgic syndrome and other inflammatory conditions associated with ligamentous sprain and regional musculoskeletal strain, pain, for example that associated with inflammation and/or trauma, osteopetrosis, restenosis, thrombosis, angiogenesis, cancer including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer or prostatic cancer, which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0121] A further aspect of the invention provides a method of treatment of a human or animal subject suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, chronic pulmonary inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, systemic cachexia, glomerulonephritis, Crohn's disease, neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and cancer including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostatic cancer, which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0122] A further aspect of the invention provides a method of treatment of a human or animal subject suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, chronic pulmonary inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, systemic cachexia, glomerulonephritis, Crohn's disease and cancer including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostatic cancer, which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0123] A further aspect of the invention provides a method of treatment of a human or animal subject suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0124] A further aspect of the invention provides a method of treatment of a human or animal subject suffering from any type of pain including chronic pain, rapid onset of analgesis, neuromuscular pain, headache, cancer pain, acute and chronic inflammatory pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, post operative inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, post-hepatic neuralgia, inflammatory neuropathies and migraine pain which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0125] A further aspect of the invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a condition or disease state mediated by p38 kinase activity or mediated by cytokines produced by p38 kinase activity.

[0126] A further aspect of the invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a condition or disease state selected from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, chronic pulmonary inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, silicosis, endotoxemia, toxic shock syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, aneurism, stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle degeneration, bone resorption diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, reperfusion injury, graft vs. host reaction, allograft rejections, sepsis, systemic cachexia, cachexia secondary to infection or malignancy, cachexia secondary to aquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), malaria, leprosy, infectious arthritis, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, glomenulonephritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, traumatic arthritis, rubella arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, acute synovitis, gouty arthritis, spondylitis, and non articular inflammatory conditions, for example, herniated/ruptured/prolapsed intervertebral disk syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, fibromyalgic syndrome and other inflammatory conditions associated with ligamentous sprain and regional musculoskeletal strain, pain, for example that associated with inflammation and/or trauma, osteopetrosis, restenosis, thrombosis, angiogenesis, and cancer including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer or prostatic cancer.

[0127] A further aspect of the invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a condition or disease state selected from rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, chronic pulmonary inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, systemic cachexia, glomerulonephritis, Crohn's disease, neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and cancer including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostatic cancer.

[0128] A further aspect of the invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a condition or disease state selected from rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, chronic pulmonary inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, systemic cachexia, glomerulonephritis, Crohn's disease and cancer including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostatic cancer.

[0129] A further aspect of the invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a condition or disease state selected from rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

[0130] A further aspect of the invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of any type of pain including chronic pain, rapid onset of analgesia, neuromuscular pain, headache, cancer pain, acute and chronic inflammatory pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, post operative inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, post-hepatic neuralgia, inflammatory neuropathies and migraine pain.

[0131] The compounds of formula (I) and their salts, solvates and physiologically functional salts and solvates may be employed alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents for the treatment of the above-mentioned conditions. In particular, in rheumatoid arthritis therapy, combination with other chemotherapeutic or antibody agents is envisaged. Combination therapies according to the present invention thus comprise the administration of at least one compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and at least one other pharmaceutically active agent. The compound(s) of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s) or solvate(s) thereof and the other pharmaceutically active agent(s) may be administered together or separately and, when administered separately, this may occur separately or sequentially in any order. The amounts of the compound(s) of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s) or solvate(s) thereof and the other pharmaceutically active agent(s) and the relative timings of administration will be selected in order to achieve the desired combined therapeutic effect. Examples of other pharmaceutically active agents which may be employed in combination with compounds of formula (I) and their salts and solvates for rheumatoid arthritis therapy include: immunosuppresants such as amtolmetin guacil, mizoribine and rimexolone; anti-TNFα agents such as etanercept, infliximab, diacerein; tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as leflunomide; kallikrein antagonists such as subreum; interleukin 11 agonists such as oprelvekin; interferon beta 1 agonists; hyaluronic acid agonists such as NRD-101 (Aventis); interleukin 1 receptor antagonists such as anakinra; CD8 antagonists such as amiprilose hydrochloride; beta amyloid precursor protein antagonists such as reumacon; matrix metalloprotease inhibitors such as cipemastat and other disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, sulphasalazine, cyclosporin A, hydroxychoroquine, auranofin, aurothioglucose, gold sodium thiomalate and penicillamine.

EXAMPLES

[0132] The following examples are illustrative embodiments of the invention, not limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Reagents are commercially available or are prepared according to procedures in the literature.

[0133] LCMS was conducted on a column (3.3 cm×4.6 mm ID, 3 um ABZ+PLUS), at a Flow Rate of 3 ml/min, Injection Volume of 5 μl, at room temperature and UV Detection Range at 215 to 330 nm.

[0134] General Method A:

[0135] A suspension of the hydrazide (4.36 mmol) in triethylorthoacetate (20 ml) was warmed at 100° C. for 2 h and then at 130° C. for 1.5 h. The excess triethylorthoacetate was removed under vacuum and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (50 ml) and water (50 ml). The organic material was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50 ml) and dried with magnesium sulphate. The solution was reduced to dryness under vacuum and the residue triturated with cyclohexane to give the oxadiazole.

[0136] General Method B:

[0137] The t-butoxycarbonylhydrazide (7.57 mmol) was added portionwise to a solution of trifluoroacetic acid at 0° C. Once addition was complete, the solution was stirred at 0° C. for 15 min and then at room temperature for 30 min. The solution was reduced to dryness under vacuum and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (100 ml) and sodium carbonate solution (2N, 100 ml). The aqueous fraction was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×75 ml). The combined organic fractions were washed with brine (100 ml), dried (magnesium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under vacuum to give the hydrazide.

[0138] General Method C:

[0139] N, N-Disopropylethylamine (69.75 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of benzoic acid (23.25 mmol), HOBT (23.25 mmol), t-butylcarbazate (23.25 mmol), HBTU (27.9 mmol) in DMF (15 ml) at 0° C. The reaction was stirred at 0° C. for 15 min and then at room temperature for 6 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (150 ml) and water (150 ml). The aqueous fraction was extracted with DCM (2×100 ml). The combined organic fractions were washed with brine (100 ml), dried (magnesium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The solid residue was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate (2N) and dried.

[0140] General Method D:

[0141] The aromatic bromide or iodide (4.0 mmol), phenylboronic acid (4.8 mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (100 mg) and caesium carbonate (2.4 g) in DME (30 ml) were heated at 90° C. under nitrogen for 20 h. The cooled reaction was preabsorbed onto silica and chromatographed on a silica SPE (10 g) eluting with an ethyl acetate/cyclohexane gradient (0-100% ethyl acetate). The combined product fractions were evaporated to dryness under vacuum.

[0142] General Method E:

[0143] The aromatic bromide or iodide (0.18 mmol), phenyl pinnacolborane (0.17 mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (5 mg) and aqueous sodium carbonate (1 ml) in DMF (3 ml) were heated at 80° C. under nitrogen for 4 h. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the residue chromatographed on a silica SPE (5 g) eluting with an ethyl acetate/cyclohexane gradient (0-100% ethyl acetate). The combined product fractions were evaporated to dryness under vacuum.

[0144] General Method F:

[0145] The iodobenzene (15 mmol), bis(pinacolato)diboron (30 mmol), potassium acetate (75 mmol) and PdCl₂dppf (1.1 mmol) in DMF (170 ml) were heated at 80° C. under nitrogen for 4 h. The DMF was evaporated from the cooled reaction under vacuum and the residue chromatographed on silica SPEs (2×10 g) eluting with an ethyl acetate/cyclohexane gradient (0-100% ethyl acetate). The solvent was evaporated from the combined product fractions under vacuum.

[0146] General Method G:

[0147] The methyl benzoate (1.0 mmol) was dissolved in THF (10 ml) and a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (2.1 mmol) In water (10 ml) added. The reaction mixture was heated at 75° C. for 4 h. The THF was evaporated under vacuum and the solution acidified with hydrochloric acid (2N). The precipitate formed was filtered off, washed with water and dried under vacuum.

[0148] General Method H:

[0149] Benzoic acid (0.1 mmol), HOBT (0.1 mmol), PyBOP (0.1 mmol) and amine (1.2 mmol) were mixed in 1.75 ml of DMF and DIPEA (52 μl) added, the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 72 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM and aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The organic fraction was separated and the solution evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue was chromatographed on a silica SPE eluting with a DCM/ethanol/ammonia gradient (500:8:1 to 40:8:1). The product fractions were combined and evaporated to dryness. The residue was rechromatographed on silica SPE eluting with an ethyl acetate Icyclohexane gradient (1:8 to 1:1). The product fractions were evaporated to dryness under vacuum.

[0150] General Method I:

[0151] Benzoic acid (3.1 mmol), HATU (3.7 mmol), DIPEA (6.9 mmol), and amine (3.1 mmol) were mixed in DMF (30 ml) and heated for 18 h at 80° C. The solvent was evaporated from the cooled reaction under vacuum and the residue dissolved in DCM. The DCM solution was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (2M), hydrochloric acid (2M) and brine. Dried with magnesium sulphate and the solvent evaporated under vacuum. The residue was chromatographed on silica eluting with DCM/ethanol/ammonia (500:8:1) and the solvent evaporated under vacuum from the product fractions.

[0152] General Method J:

[0153] Benzoic acid (0.2 mmol), aniline (0.2 mmol) and 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (0.2 mmol) were suspended in dry DCM (5 ml) and stirred at room temperature under nitrogen for 18 h. The mixture was diluted with DCM, absorbed onto a silica SPE (5 g), eluted with DCM and then with a DCM/ethanol/ammonia gradient (400:8:1 to 100:8:1). Solvent was evaporated from the product fractions under vacuum.

[0154] General Method K:

[0155] Acid chloride (0.266 mmol) in DCM (5 ml) was added to a solution of aniline (0.266 mmol) and triethylamine (0.074 ml, 0.532 mmol) in DCM (5 ml) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The reaction was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate (2N, 10 ml), absorbed onto a silica SPE (5 g) and eluted with DCM then with a DCM/ethanol/ammonia gradient (250:8:1 then 100:8:1). The solvent was evaporated from the product fractions under vacuum.

[0156] General Method L:

[0157] Secondary amide (0.06 mmol), iodoalkane or bromoalkane (3 drops) and sodium hydride, (60% in mineral oil, 0.5 mmol) were stirred in DMF (5 ml) for 18 h. The reaction was acidified with hydrochloric acid (2N) and extracted with DCM (2×10 ml). The DCM was evaporated from the combined extracts under vacuum and the residue purified by SPE (silica, 1 g) eluting with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate was evaporated under vacuum to give the tertiary amide.

[0158] General Method M:

[0159] Benzoic acid (0.1 mmol), HATU (0.1 mmol), DIPEA (0.3 mmol), and amine (0.12 mmol) were mixed in THF (5 ml) and heated for 16 h at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the residue dissolved in DCM. The DCM solution was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate (2M), absorbed onto a silica SPE (5 g) and eluted with a DCM/ethanol/ammonia gradient (500:8:1-15:8:1). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum from the product fractions to give the amide.

[0160] General Method N:

[0161] Benzoic acid (0.34 mmol), HBTU (0.42 mmol), HOBT (0.34 mmol), DIPEA (1.0 mmol), and amine (1.0 mmol) were mixed in DMF (11 ml) and stirred for 80 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was absorbed onto silica and chromatographed on a silica SPE (10 g), eluting with an ethyl acetate/cyclohexane gradient (0-100% ethyl acetate), acetone and methanol. The solvent was evaporated from the combined product fractions under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in ethylacetate/methanol and filtered through an aminopropyl SPE (1 g) washing with ethyl acetate/methanol. The solvents were evaporated from the combined filtrate/washings under vacuum to give the amide.

Example 1 N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0162] (a) N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-methoxyaniline using method I. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.21,(1H, b), 8.05,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.79,(1H, d), 7.70,(2H, d), 7.58-7.55,(3H, m), 6.93,(2H, d), 3.74,(3H, s), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.40 min, MH⁺ 400.

(b) 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid

[0163] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid was prepared from methyl 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylate using method G. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.03,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.75,(1H, d), 7.57-7.52,(3H, m), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.30,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.14 min, MH⁺ 295.

(c) Methyl 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylate

[0164] Methyl 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylate was prepared from 2-(3-bromo-4-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole and [4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl]boronic acid using method D. NMR; δH CDCl₃ 8.12,(2H, d), 7.94, (1H, dd), 7.90,(1H, d), 7.43,(3H, m), 3.96,(3H, s), 2.61,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.37 min, MH⁺ 309.

(d) 2-(3-Bromo-4-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole

[0165] 2-(3-Bromo-4-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole was prepared from (3-bromo4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine using method A. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.08,(1H, d), 7.86,(1H, dd), 7.56,(1H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.41,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.19 min, MH⁺ 254.

(e) (3-Bromo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine

[0166] (3-Bromo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine was prepared from t-butyl 2-(3-bromo4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate using method B. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.82,(1H, b), 8.00,(1H, d), 7.73,(1H, dd), 7.42,(1H, d), 4.49, (2H, b), 2.36,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.47 min.

(f) t-Butyl 2-(3-bromo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate

[0167] t-Butyl 2-(3-bromo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate was prepared from 3-bromo-4-methylbenzoic acid using method C. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.25,(1H, b), 8.94,(1H, b), 8.04,(1H, s), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.47,(1H, d), 2.39,(3H, s), 1.41,(9H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.24 min, MH⁺ 330.

Example 2 N-(3-Fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1.1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0168] (a) N-(3-Fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carbonyl chloride and 3-fluoro-4-methoxyaniline using method K. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.35,(1H, b), 8.04,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.78-7.75,(2H, m)7.59-7.51,(4H, m), 7.17,(1H, t), 3.82,(3H, s), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.50 min, MH⁺ 418.

(b) 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carbonyl chloride

[0169] Oxalyl chloride (0.073 ml, 0.82 mmol) was added to a suspension of 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (200 mg, 0.68 mmol), and DMF (2 drops) in DCM (10 ml) at 0° C. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h and the solvents evaporated under vacuum to give 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carbonyl chloride as a white solid (0.212 g, 100%). NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.03,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.56-7.53,(3H, m), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.30,(3H, s).

Example 3 N-(4-Methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0170] N-(4-Methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carbonyl chloride and 4-methoxy-3-methylaniline using method K. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.14,(1H, b), 8.05,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.57-7.55,(5H, m), 6.92,(1H, d), 3.77,(3H, s), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s), 2.16,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.53 min, MH⁺ 414.

Example 4 N-[3-(Dimethylaminomethyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0171] N-[3-(Dimethylaminomethyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carbonyl chloride and 3-(dimethylaminomethyl)-4-methoxyaniline using method K. LCMS; retention time 2.65 min, MH⁺ 457.

Example 5 N-[(3-Acetylaminomethyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0172] (a) N-[(3-Acetylaminomethyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4carbonyl chloride and 3(acetylaminomethyl)4-methoxyaniline using method K. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.22,(1H, b), 8.21,(1H, t), 8.05,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.78,(1H, d), 7.71,(1H, dd), 7.57-7.52,(4H, m), 6.97,(1H, d), 4.20,(2H, d), 3.79,(3H, s), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s), 1.89,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.07 min, MH⁺ 471.

(b) 3-(Acetylaminomethyl)-4methoxyaniline

[0173] N-(2-Methoxy-5-nitrobenzyl)acetamide (5 g), with palladium on carbon (1 g) in ethanol (50 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature under 104 tms. of hydrogen. The reaction was filtered through celite and the ethanol distilled from the filtrate. The residue was recrystallised from benzene to give 3-(acetylaminomethyl)-4-methoxyaniline as pale brown needles. MP; 123-125° C.

(c) N-(2-Methoxy-5-nitrobenzyl)acetamide

[0174] 2-Acetamidomethyl-4-nitrophenol (2 g), sodium carbonate (2 g) and iodomethane (2 ml) were stirred in acetone (30 ml) at reflux 4 h. The mixture was filtered, the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was warmed with aqueous sodium carbonate, washed with water and dried. Crystallised from ethanol/dilute acetic acid to give N-(2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzyl)acetamide as buff prisms. MP: 158.5-159.5° C.

Example 6 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-phenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0175] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (50 mg, 0.17 mmol), aniline (16 mg, 0.17 mmol) and 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (33 mg, 0.17 mmol) and DMF (20 drops) were suspended in dry DCM (5 ml) and stirred at room temperature under nitrogen for 4 h. The mixture was absorbed onto an SPE (silica, 10 g), eluted with DCM and then with a DCM/ethanol/ammonia gradient (250:8:1 to 100:8:1). The solvent was evaporated from the product fractions under vacuum to yield 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-phenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide as a white solid (32 mg, 51%). NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.34,(1H, b), 8.06,(2H, d), 7.91,(1H, dd), 7.80,(3H, m), 7.57,(3H, m), 7.36,(2H, t), 7.11,(1H, t), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.34,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.39 min, MH⁺ 370.

Example 7 N-(3-Cyanophenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0176] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (100 mg, 0.34 mmol), oxalyl chloride (0.03 ml, 0.41 mmol), and DMF (1 drop) were mixed in DCM (5 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 35 min. 3-Cyanoaniline (44 mg, 0.374 mmol) was added to the solution and the mixture stirred for 2 h; DMF (1 ml) was added and stirring continued for 18 h. The solvents were evaporated from the reaction under vacuum and the residue chromatographed on an SPE (silica, 5 g), eluting with DCM and then DCM/ethanol/ammonia (300:8:1). The product fractions were concentrated in vacuo to give N-(3-cyanophenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide as a white solid (11 mg, 8%). NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.65,(1H, b), 8.28,(1H, m), 8.07,(3H, m), 7.91,(1H, dd), 7.79,(1H, d), 7.62-7.56,(5H, m), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.49 min, MH⁺ 395

Example 8 N-[3-(Acetylaminomethyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1.1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0177] N-[3-(Acetylaminomethyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(3-aminobenzyl)acetamide using method J. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.34,(1H, b), 8.38,(1H, t), 8.06,(2H, d), 7.91,(1H, dd), 7.79,(1H, d), 7.70,(2H, m), 7.57,(3H, m), 7.30,(1H, t), 7.00,(1H, d), 4.25,(2H, d), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.34,(3H, s), 1.88,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.07 min, MH⁺ 441.

Example 9 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-{3-[(3-phenylureido)methyl]phenyl}-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0178] (a) 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-[(3-phenylureido)methyl]phenyl}-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(3-aminobenzyl)-N′-phenylurea using method J. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.36,(1H, b), 8.57,(1H, s), 8.06,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.78,(2H, m), 7.69,(1H, dd), 7.57,(3H, m), 7.39,(3H, m), 7.21,(2H, m), 7.05,(1H, d), 6.62,(1H, t), 4.31,(2H, d), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.55 min, MH⁺ 518.

(b) N-(3-Aminobenzyl)-N′-phenylurea

[0179] N-(3-Nitrobenzyl)-N′-phenylurea (450 mg, 1.66 mmol) and palladium on carbon (5%, 40 mg) were suspended in ethanol (15 ml) and hydrogenated under 1 Atm. of hydrogen at room temperature for 50 min. The reaction was filtered through celite and the solvent evaporated under vacuum. The residue was redissolved in ethanol/ethyl acetate, decolourising charcoal added and heated briefly to reflux. Filtered through celite and the filtrate reduced to dryness under vacuum to give N-(3-aminobenzyl)-N′-phenylurea (370 mg).

(c) N-(3-Nitrobenzyl)-N′-phenylurea

[0180] 3-Nitrobenzylamine hydrochloride (377 mg, 2.0 mmol) and triethylamine (278 μl, 2 mmol) were stirred in ethanol (5 ml) for 15 min. Phenylisocyanate (230 μl, 2.12 mmol) was added dropwise to the solution and stirring continued for 45 min at room temperature once the addition was complete. The reaction was concentrated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (sodium sulphate) and the solvent evaporated under vacuum to give N-(3-nitrobenzyl)-N′-phenylurea (520 mg). MP; 153-156° C.

Example 10 N-{3-[(3-Ethylureido)methyl]phenyl}2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0181] (a) N-{3-[(3-Ethylureido)methyl]phenyl)}2′-methyl-5-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(3-aminobenzyl)-N′-ethylurea using method J. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.33,(1H, b), 8.06,(2H, d), 7.91,(1H, dd), 7.79,(1H, d), 7.70-7.65,(2H, m), 7.57,(3H, m), 7.29,(1H, t), 6.99,(1H, d), 6.30,(1H, b), 5.88,(1H, b), 4.20,(2H, d), 3.03,(2H, m), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.34,(3H, s), 0.99,(3H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.17 min, MH⁺ 470.

(b) N-(3-Aminobenzyl)-N′-ethylurea

[0182] N-Ethyl-N′-(3-nitrobenzyl)urea (600 mg, 2.69 mmol) and palladium on carbon (5%, 50 mg) were suspended in ethanol (20 ml) and hydrogenated under 1 Atm. of hydrogen at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction was filtered through decolourising charcoal added and heated briefly to reflux. Filtered through celite and the filtrate reduced to dryness under vacuum to give N-(3aminobenzyl)-N′-ethylurea (490 mg). Rf; DCM/methanol (10:1) 0.27.

(c) N-Ethyl-N′-(3-nitrobenzyl)urea

[0183] 3-Nitrobenzylamine hydrochloride (754 mg, 4.0 mmol) and triethylamine (404 mg, 4 mmol) were stirred in THF (10 ml) for 15 min in an ice bath. Ethylisocyanate (335 μl, 4.23 mmol) was added dropwise to the solution and the reaction allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 h after addition was complete. The reaction was partitioned between ethyl acetate (30 ml) and water (30 ml). The organic phase was washed with water, brine and dried (sodium sulphate). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to give N-ethyl-N′-(3-nitrobenzyl)urea (880 mg). Rf; DCM/methanol (10:1) 0.40.

Example 11 N-(5-Chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquin-7-yl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0184] N-(5-Chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquin-7-yl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 7-amino-5-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline using method J. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.49,(5H, m), 6.56,(1H, b), 6.40,(1H, b), 5.26,(2H, b), 4.65-4.48,(2H, bm), 2.70,(2H, t), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.44 min, MH⁺ 459.

Example 12 N-{3-[(t-Butoxycarbonylamino)methyl]phenyl}2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0185] N-{3-[(t-Butoxycarbonylamino)methyl]phenyl}2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1 ′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 3-[(t-butoxycarbonylamino)-methyllaniline using method J. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.34,(1H, b), 8.06,(2H, d), 7.91,(1H, dd), 7.79,(1H, d), 7.70,(1H, s), 7.66,(1H, d), 7.59-7.56,(3H, m), 7.41,(1H, t), 7.29,(1H, t), 6.98,(1H, d), 4.14,(2H, d), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.34,(3H, s), 1.40,(9H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.59 min, [M-H]⁻ 497.

Example 13 N-(3-Cyanophenyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0186] (a) N-(3-Cyanophenyl)-4-iodo-N-methylbenzamide (85 mg, 0.23 mmol) and 2-methyl-5(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenylpinnacol borane (85 mg, 0.28 mmol) were reacted according to method E to yield N-(3-cyanophenyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.86,(1H d), 7.79,(1H, s), 7.64,(2H, m), 7.55,(1H, d), 7.51-7.46,(2H, m), 7.36,(2H, d), 7.30,(2H, d), 3.42,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.20,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.32 min, MH⁺ 409.

(b) N-(3-Cyanophenyl)4-iodo-N-methylbenzamide

[0187] 4-lodobenzoic acid (60 mg, 0.24 mmol) and thionyl chloride (1 ml) were heated at reflux for 2.5 h. The excess thionyl chloride was evaporated from the solution under vacuum and the residue dissolved in acetone (2 ml). 3-(Methylamino)benzonitrile (40 mg, 0.30 mmol) and sodium carbonate (100 mg) were added to the acid chloride solution and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was applied to an SPE (SCX, 1 g) and eluted with acetone. The acetone was evaporated from the eluent under vacuum to give N-(3-cyanophenyl)-4-iodo-N-methylbenzamide (85 mg, 100%). LCMS; retention time 3.28 min, MH⁺ 363.

(c) 2-Methyl-5-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenylpinnacol borane

[0188] 2-Methyl-5-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenylpinnacol borane was prepared from 2-(3-iodo-4-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole, using method F. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.18,(1H, d), 7.93,(1H, dd), 7.40,(1H, d), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.53,(3H, s), 1.32,(3H, s),

(d) 2-(3-lodo4-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole

[0189] 2-(3-lodo-4-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole was prepared from (3-iodo4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine using method A. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.31,(1H, d), 7.87,(1H, dd), 7.52,(1H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.43,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.30 min, MH⁺ 301.

(e) (3-lodo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine

[0190] (3-lodo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine was prepared from t-butyl 2-(3-iodo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate using method B. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.79,(1H, b), 8,23,(1H, d), 7.73,(1H, dd), 7.39,(1H, d), 4.47,(2H, b), 2.38,(3H, s), LCMS; retention time 2.65 min, MH⁺ 277.

(f) t-Butyl 2-(3-iodo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate

[0191] t-Butyl 2-(3-iodo-4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate was prepared from 3-bromo-4-methylbenzoic acid using method C. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.22,(1H, b), 8.92,(1H, b), 8.27,(1H, s), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.43,(1 H, d), 2.40,(3H, s), 1.41,(9H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.33 min, MH⁺ 321.

Example 14 N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0192] N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-methylamine using method M. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.85,(1H, dd), 7.64,(1H, d), 7.49,(1H, d), 7.34,(2H, d), 7.26,(2H, d), 7.13,(2H, d), 6.83,(2H, d), 3.68,(3H, s), 3.35,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.20,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.29 min, MH⁺ 414.

Example 15 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(phenylethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0193] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(phenylethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-methyl-N-(phenylethyl)amine using method M. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.75,(1H, d), 7.54,(1H, d), 7.47-7.17,(8H, m), 6.99,(1H, d), 3.69,(1H, m), 3.43,(1H, m), 3.04,(1.5H, s), 2.92,(1H, m), 2.87,(1.5H, s), 2.80,(1H, m), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.39 min, MH⁺ 412.

Example 16 N-Benzyl-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0194] N-Benzyl-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and benzylmethylamine using method M. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, s). 7.58-7.21,(10H, m), 4.71,(1H, s), 4.54,(1H, s), 2.89,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.45 min, MH⁺ 398.

Example 17 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-methylphenyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0195] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-methylphenyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-methyl-N-(3-methylphenyl)amine using method M. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.85,(1H, dd), 7.64,(1H, d), 7.49,(1H, d), 7.34,(2H, d), 7.25,(2H, d), 7.15,(1H, t), 7.04,(1H, s), 7.00-6.94,(2H, m), 3.38,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.20,(3H, s), 2.19,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.50 min, MH⁺ 398.

Example 18 N-(3-Methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0196] N-(3-Methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 3-methoxybenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.12,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.24,(1H, t), 6.90,(2H, m), 6.83,(1H, dd), 4.48,(2H, d), 3.73,(3H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.34 min, MH⁺ 414.

Example 19 2′-Methyl-N-{4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]benzyl}5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0197] 2′-Methyl-N-4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]benzyl)5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-methyl-(4-aminomethylbenzyl)amide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.18,(1H, t), 8.38,(1H, q), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.89, (1H, dd), 7.78,(3H, m), 7.54,(3H, m), 7.40,(2H, d), 4.55,(2H, d), 2.76,(3H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.88 min, MH⁺ 441.

Example 20 N-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0198] N-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-fluorophenylamine using method 1. LCMS; retention time 3.55 min, MH⁺ 388.

Example 21 N-(3Acetylaminobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0199] N-(3-Acetylaminobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(3-aminomethylphenyl)acetamide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.92,(1H, s), 9.15,(1H, t), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.52,(5H, m), 7.23,(1H, t), 6.99,(1H, d), 4.47,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s), 2.01,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.95 min, MH⁺ 441.

Example 22 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[3-(methylsulphonylamino)benzyl[-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0200] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[3-(methylsulphonylamino)benzyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(3-aminomethylphenyl)methylsulphonamide using method H. NMR; H [²H₆]—DMSO 9.74,(1H, s), 9.15,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.54,(3H, m), 7.29,(1H, t), 7.19,(1H, s), 7.08,(2H, m), 4.47,(2H, d), 2.97,(3H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.99 min, MH⁺ 477.

Example 23 N-[4-(Aminosulphonyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0201] N-[4-(Aminosulphonyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and [4-(aminomethyl)benzyl]sulphonamide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.24,(1H, t), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.79,(1H, s), 7.77,(2H, m), 7.56-7.50,(5H, m), 7.32,(2H, b), 4.56,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.91 min, MH⁺ 463.

Example 24 N-[4-(Aminocarbonyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0202] N-[4-(Aminocarbonyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-aminomethylbenzamide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.20,(1H, t), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.93,(1H, b), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.83,(2H, d), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.54,(3H, m), 7.39,(2H, d), 7.32,(1H, b), 4.54,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.82 min, MH⁺ 427.

Example 25 N-(4-Hydroxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0203] N-(4-Hydroxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-hydroxybenzylamine using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.27,(1H, s), 9.02,(1H, t), 7.98,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.54,,(1H, d), 7.51,(2H, d), 7.13,(2H, d), 6.71,(2H, d), 4.39,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s), LCMS; retention time 3.03 min, MH⁺ 400.

Example 26 N-[4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0204] N-[4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzylamine using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.11,(1H, t), 7.99,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.24,(2H, d), 7.16,(2H, d), 4.62,(1H, t), 4.46,(2H, d), 3.55,(2H, q), 2.69,(2H, t), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.00 min, MH⁺ 428.

Example 27 N-[4-(Aminosulphonylmethyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0205] N-[4-(Aminosulphonylmethyl)benzyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(aminomethyl)benzylsulphonamide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.17,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.33,(4H, m), 6.82,(2H, b), 4.50,(2H, d), 4.23,(2H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.90 min, MH⁺ 477.

Example 28 N-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0206] N-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-methoxybenzylamine using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.07,(1H, t), 7.98,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.55-7.50,(3H, m), 7.26,(2H, d), 6.89,(2H, d), 4.43,(2H, d), 3.72,(3H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.24 min, MH⁺ 414.

Example 29 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(methylsulphonylamino)benzyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0207] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(methylsulphonylamino)benzyl]1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(4-aminomethylphenyl)methylsulphonamide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.66,(1H, s), 9.11,(1H, t), 7.99,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.30,(2H, d), 7.17,(2H, d),4.46,(2H, d), 3.61,(1H, b), 2.94,(3H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.00 min, MH⁺ 477.

Example 30 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(methylsulphonylamino)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0208] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(methylsulphonylamino)phenyl]1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(4-aminophenyl)methylsulphonamide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.34,(1H, s), 9.61,(1H, b), 8.05,(2H, d), 7.91,(1H, dd), 7.79,(1H, d), 7.76,(2H, d), 7.59-7.55,(3H, m), 7.20,(2H, d), 2.95,(3H, s), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.24 min, MH⁺ 463.

Example 31 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[2-(methylsulphonylamino)benzyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0209] (a) 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[2-(methylsulphonylamino)benzyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(2-aminomethylphenyl)methylsulphonamide using method H. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.51,(1H, b), 9.21,(1H, t), 8.02,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H d), 7.56-7.53,(3H, m), 7.36,(2H, m), 7.29,(1H, m), 7.23,(1H, m), 4.58,(2H, d), 3.05,(3H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.33 min, MH⁺ 477.

(b) N-(2-Aminomethylphenyl)methylsulphonamide

[0210] N-(2-Cyanophenyl)methylsulphonamide (1.0 g) and raney nickel in ethanol/0.880 ammonia (100 ml, 1:1) were hydrogenated under 64 Atm. of hydrogen at room temperature for 27 h. The reaction was filtered through celite and the solvent evaporated under vacuum to give N-(2-aminomethylphenyl)methylsulphonamide (915 mg, 90%).

Example 32

[0211] 2′-Methyl-N-(4methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0212] 2′-Methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-methylbenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.10,(1H, t), 7.99,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.22,(2H, d), 7.13,(2H, d), 4.46,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s), 2.27,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.48 min, MH⁺ 398.

Example 33 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0213] 2′-Methyl-5-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-trifluoromethylbenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.25,(1H, t), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.90,(1 H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.72-7.70,(2H, m), 7.57-7.53,(5H, m), 4.59,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.63 min, MH⁺ 452.

Example 34 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0214] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4phenoxybenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-phenoxybenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.15,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.53,(3H, m), 7.37,(4H, m), 7.11,(1H, m), 7.01-6.96,(4H, m), 4.49,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.76 min, MH⁺ 476.

Example 35 N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0215] N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-chlorobenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.17,(1H, t), 7.99,(2H, d), 7.89,(1H, dd), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.56-7.52,(3H, m), 7.41-7.34,(4H, m), 4.49,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.51 min, MH⁺ 418/420.

Example 36 N-(4-Cyanobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0216] N-(4-Cyanobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-cyanobenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.25,(1H, t), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.81,(2H, d), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(5H, m), 4.58,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.34 min, MH⁺ 409.

Example 37 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0217] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.75,(3H, m), 7.59-7.46,(7H, m), 4.79-4.65,(2H, m), 2.94,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.67 min, MH⁺ 466.

Example 38 N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0218] N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.77-7.73,(3H, m), 7.60-7.46,(7H, m) 4.79-4.64,(2H, b), 3.41-3.26,(2H, b), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s), 1.08,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.78 min, MH⁺ 480.

Example 39 N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0219] N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(4chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenylcarboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, s), 7.58-7.37,(8H, m), 7.25,(1H, b), 4.59-4.54,(2H, m), 2.90,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.63 min, MH⁺ 432.

Example 40 N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-N-ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0220] N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-N-ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, s), 7.58-7.42,(8H, m), 7.27,(1H, b), 4.69-4.53,(2H, m), 3.37-3.23,(2H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s), 1.06,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.74 min, MH⁺ 446/448.

Example 41 N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0221] N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and cyclopropylmethyl-bromide using method L. LCMS; retention time 3.89 min, MH⁺ 472/474.

Example 42 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0222] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, s), 7.55-7.48,(5H, m), 7.40-7.36,(3H, m), 7.23,(1H, b), 7.13,(1H, t), 7.01,(4H, m), 4.684.52,(2H, m), 2.91,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.85 min, MH⁺ 490.

Example 43 N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-phenoxyenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0223] N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 776,(1H, s), 7.55-7.48,(5H, m), 7.40-7.36,(3H, m), 7.24,(1H, b), 7.13,(1H, t), 7.00,(4H, m), 4.694.51,(2H, m), 3.39-3.22,(2H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s), 1.08,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.93 min, MH⁺ 504.

Example 44 N-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0224] N-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H. d), 7.75,(1H, s), 7.55-7.47,(5H, m), 7.30,(1H, m), 7.13,(1H, m), 6.94,(2H, d), 4.62-4.46,(2H, m), 3.74,(3H, s), 2.85,(3H, b), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.46 min, MH⁺ 428.

Example 45 N-Ethyl-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0225] N-Ethyl-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.75,(1H, s), 7.55-7.47,(5H, m), 7.30,(1H, m), 6.92,(2H, d), 4.64-4.45,(2H, m), 3.74,(3H, s), 3.34-3.16,(2H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s), 1.05,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.54 min, MH⁺ 442.

Example 46 N-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0226] N-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(4methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and cyclopropylmethyl-bromide using method L. LCMS; retention time 3.70 min, MH⁺ 468.

Example 47 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0227] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.88,(1H, d), 7.75,(1H, s), 7.55-7.47,(5H, m), 7.25-7.08,(4H, m), 4.65-4.49,(2H, m), 2.88,(3H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(6H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.60 min, MH⁺ 412.

Example 48 N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0228] N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.88,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, s), 7.56-7.45,(5H, m), 7.25-7.13,(4H,m), 4.66-4.48,(2H, m), 3.37-3.18,(2H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.31-2.28,(6H, m), 1.05,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.70 min, MH⁺ 426.

Example 49 N-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-2′-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0229] N-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-2′-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-N-(4-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and cyclopropylmethyl-bromide using method L. LCMS; retention time 3.85 min, MH⁺ 452.

Example 50 N-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0230] N-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 2-chlorobenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.15,(1H, t), 8.03,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.53,(3H, m), 7.47,(1H, m), 7.39,(1H, m), 7.35-7.28,(2H, m), 4.57,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), LCMS; retention time 3.53 min, MH⁺ 418/420.

Example 51 2′-Methyl-N-{(2[(methylamino)carbonyl]benzyl}-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0231] 2′-Methyl-N-{2[(methylamino)carbonyl]benzyl}-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 2-(aminomethyl)-N-methylbenzamide using method M. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.03,(1H, t), 8.41,(1H, q), 7.98,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.52,(3H, m), 7.43-7.37,(3H, m), 7.30,(1H, m), 4.62,(2H, d), 2.79,(3H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.02 min, MH⁺ 441.

Example 52 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-{2-[4-(methylsulphonamido)phenyl]ethyl}-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0232] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-{2-[4-(methylsulphonamido)phenyl]ethyl}-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4′-(2-aminoethyl)-methanesulphonilide using method M. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.61,(1H, s), 8.64,(1H, t), 7.92-7.88,(3H, m), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.54,(1H, d), 7.50,(2H, d), 7.22,(2H, d), 7.14,(2H, d), 3.48,(2H, q), 2.93,(3H, s), 2.82,(2H, t), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.09 min, MH⁺ 491.

Example 53 N-[2-(4-Methoxy-3-sulphamoylphenyl)ethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0233] N-[2-(4-Methoxy-3-sulphamoylphenyl)ethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 5-(2-aminoethyl)-2-methoxybenzene-sulphonamide using method M. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.66,(1H, t), 7.93-7.88,(3H, m), 7.76,(1H, d), 7.64,(1H, d), 7.54,(1H, d), 7.50,(2H, d), 7.45,(1H, dd), 7.14,(1H, d), 7.02,(2H, b), 3.86,(3H, s), 3.48,(2H, q), 2.85,(2H, t), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 2.99 min, MH⁺ 507.

Example 54 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0234] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 2-trifluoromethylbenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.23,(1H, t), 8.04,(2H, d), 7.91,(1H, dd), 7.78,(1H, d), 7.75,(1H, d), 7.67,(1H, t), 7.56,(4H, m), 7.49,(1H, t), 4.70,(2H, d), 2.57,(3H, s),2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.58 min, MH⁺ 452.

Example 55 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0235] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 3-trifluoromethylbenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.24,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.69-7.52,(7H, m), 4.59,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.59 min, MH⁺ 452.

Example 56 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0236] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 2-aminomethylnathphalene using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.25,(1H, t), 8.03,(2H, d), 7.89,(4H, m), 7.82,(1H, b), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.45,(6H, m), 4.68,(2H, d), ), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.62 min, MH⁺ 434.

Example 57 N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0237] N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 3-chlorobenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.19,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, t), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.52,(3H, m), 7.39-7.29,(4H, m), 4.51,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.56 min, MH⁺ 418/420.

Example 58 N-(2-Methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0238] N-(2-Methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 2-methoxybenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.95,(1H, t), 8.02,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.26-7.19,(2H, m), 7.00,(1H, d), 6.91,(1H, t), 4.48,(2H, d), 3.83,(3H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.41 min, MH⁺ 414.

Example 59 2′-Methyl-N-(2-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0239] 2′-Methyl-N-(2-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 2-methylbenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.01,(1H, t), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.26,(1H, m), 7.18-7.15,(3H, m), 4.48,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.47 min, MH⁺ 398.

Example 60 2′-Methyl-N-(3-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0240] 2′-Methyl-N-(3-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 3-methylbenzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.11,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.21,(1H, t), 7.14-7.11,(2H, m), 7.05,(1H, d), 4.47,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31, (3H, s), 2.29,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.48 min, MH⁺ 398.

Example 61 N-Benzyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0241] N-Benzyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and benzylamine using method N. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 9.14,(1H, t), 8.00,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.56-7.51,(3H, m), 7.34,(4H, m), 7.25,(1H, m), 4.51,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.31,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.35 min, MH⁺ 384.

Example 62 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0242] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 3-phenoxyaniline using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.85 min, MH⁺ 462.

Example 63 N-(3-Aminocarbonyl-4-methylphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0243] N-(3-Aminocarbonyl-4-methylphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 5-amino-2-methylbenzamide using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.00 min, MH⁺ 427.

Example 64 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(4-methylsulphonamidophenoxy)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0244] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(4-methylsulphonamidophenoxy)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(4-methylsulphamidophenoxy)aniline using method I. NMR; δH [²H_(6]—DMSO) 10.36,(1H, s), 9.59,(1H, b), 8.06,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.81-7.79,(3H, m), 7.59-7.55,(3H, m), 7.22,(2H, d), 7.01,(4H, m), 2.95,(3H, s), 2.57,(3H, s), 2.33,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.45 min, MH⁺ 555.

Example 65 2′-Methyl-N-{3-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0245] 2′-Methyl-N-{3-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-methyl-3-aminobenzamide using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.04 min, MH⁺ 427.

Example 66 N-[2-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-methylbenzoyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0246] N-[2-(4,5-Dimethoxy-2-methylbenzoyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 2-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-methylbenzoyl)aniline using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.82 min, MH⁺ 548.

Example 67 N-[1-(Imidazol-1-yl)indan-5-yl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0247] N-[1-(Imidazol-1-yl)indan-5-yl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenylcarbolic acid and 5-amino-1-imidazol-1-ylindane using method I. LCMS; retention time 2.61 min, MH⁺ 476.

Example 68 N-[4-(Acetylaminomethyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0248] N-[4-(Acetylaminomethyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(acetylaminomethyl)aniline using method I. LCMS; retention time 2.97 min, MH⁺ 441.

Example 69 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(p-toluenesulphonamido)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0249] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(p-toluenesulphonamido)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(p-toluenesulphonamido)aniline using method I. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 10.26,(1H, s), 10.08,(1H, b), 8.01,(2H, d), 7.90,(1H, dd), 7.77,(1H, d), 7.63,(4H, m), 7.56,(3H, m), 7.33,(2H, d), 7.06,(2H, d), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.33-2.32,(6H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.52 min, MH⁺ 539.

Example 70 N-(3-Benzyloxyphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0250] N-(3-Benzyloxyphenyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 3-benzyloxyaniline using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.79 min, MH⁺ 476.

Example 71 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-{3-[(methylsulphonamido)carbonyl]phenyl}-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0251] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-{3-[(methylsulphonamido)carbonyl]phenyl}-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(3-aminobenzoyl)methylsulphonamide using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.19 min, MH⁺ 491.

Example 72 N-(3-Methoxybenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0252] N-(3-Methoxybenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(3-methoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, b), 7.58-7.45,(5H, m), 7.30,(1H, t), 6.93-6.72,(3H, m), 4.67-4.51,(2H, m), 3.76,(3H, s), 2.92-2.89,(3H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.39 min, MH⁺ 428.

Example 73 N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0253] N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, b), 7.59-7.33,(8H, m), 7.23,(1H, b), 4.70-4.55,(2H, m), 2.92,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.58 min, MH⁺ 432/434.

Example 74 N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-N-ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0254] N-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-N-ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, b), 7.58-7.34,(8H, m), 7.24,(1H, b), 4.71-4.55,(2H, m), 3.25,(2H, b), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s), 1.09,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.67 min, MH⁺ 446/448.

Example 75 N-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0255] N-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-N-methyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,140 -biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.77,(1H, b), 7.62-7.33,(9H, m), 4.78-4.62,(2H, m), 2.95,(3H, s), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.33-2.29,(3H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.54 min, MH⁺ 432/434.

Example 76 N-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-N-ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0256] N-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-N-ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from N-(2-chlorobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.77,(1H, b), 7.58-7.32,(9H, m), 4.76-4.60,(2H, m), 3.42-3.27,(2H, b), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.32-2.28,(3H, m), 1.08,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.66 min, MH⁺ 446/448.

Example 77 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0257]2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.90,(1H, d), 7.80-7.51,(9H, m), 7.41,(1H, b), 4.89-4.71,(2H, m), 3.01-2.96,(3H, m), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.33-2.24,(3H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.62 min, MH⁺ 466.

Example 78 N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0258] N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.90,(1H. d), 7.78-7.50,(9H, m), 7.38,(1H. b), 4.86-4.68,(2H, m), 3.48-3.32,(2H, b), 2.56,(3H, s), 2.33-2.23,(3H, m), 1.06,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.71 min, MH⁺ 480.

Example 79 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-1-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0259] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-1-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-1-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 8.17,(1H, d), 7.99-7.40,(13H, m), 5.19-5.05,(2H, m), 3.03,(1H, s), 2.85,(2H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32-2.23,(3H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.66 min, MH⁺ 448.

Example 80 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0260] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.95-7.34,(14H, m), 4.87-4.71,(2H, m), 2.99-2.94,(3H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.33-2.28,(3H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.66 min, MH⁺ 448.

Example 81 N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0261] N-Ethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodoethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.94-7.36,(14H, m), 4.89-4.70,(2H, m), 3.46-3.25,(2H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.33-2.28,(3H, m), 1.16-1.09,(3H, b). LCMS; retention time 3.77 min, MH⁺ 462.

Example 82 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-N-(3-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0262] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-N-(3-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-N-(3-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76,(1H, s), 7.55-7.48,(5H, m), 7.27,(1H, t), 7.16-7.10,(2H, m), 7.00,(1H, b), 4.66-4.50,(2H, m), 2.89,(3H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.52 min, MH⁺ 412.

Example 83 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0263] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-N-(2-methylbenzyl)-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, m), 7.77,(1H, m), 7.59-7.43,(5H, m), 7.22,(4H, m), 4.71-4.53,(2H, m), 2.93-2.87,(3H, m), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32-2.29,(3H, m). LCMS; retention time 3.48 min, MH⁺ 412.

Example 84 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0264] 2′-Methyl-N-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide and iodomethane using method L. NMR; δH [²H₆]—DMSO 7.89,(1H, d), 7.76-7.49,(10H, m), 4.79-4.65,(2H, m), 2.94,(3H, s), 2.55,(3H, s), 2.32,(3H, s). LCMS; retention time 3.62 min, MH⁺ 466.

Example 85 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(4-sulphamoylphenoxy)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0265] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[4-(4-sulphamoylphenoxy)phenyl-]1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenylsulphonamide using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.38 min, MH⁺ 541.

Example 86 N-[4-(4-Acetylaminophenoxy)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0266] N-[4-(4-Acetylaminophenoxy)phenyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(acetylaminophenoxy)aniline using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.42 min, MH⁺ 519.

Example 87 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[3-(methylsulphonamido)phenyl-]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0267] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[3-(methylsulphonamido)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and N-(3-aminophenyl)methylsulphonamide using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.16 min, MH⁺ 463.

Example 88 N-[3-(Dimethylaminomethyl)indol-6-yl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0268] N-[3-(Dimethylaminomethyl)indol-6-yl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 6amino-3(dimethylaminomethyl)indole using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.16 min, [M-H^(·)]463.

Example 89 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[2-(4-sulphamoylphenyl)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0269] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-[2-(4-sulphamoylphenyl)phenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide was prepared from 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid and 4-(2-aminophenyl)phenylsulphonamide using method I. LCMS; retention time 3.16 min, MH⁺ 525.

Example 90 N-(3,5-Dimethoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0270] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 3,5-dimethoxybenzylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.32 min, MH⁺ 444.

Example 91 N-[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0271] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.41 min, MH⁺ 442.

Example 92 N-(4-Dimethylaminobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0272] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminobenzylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-(4-dimethylaminobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 2.98 min, MH⁺ 427.

Example 93 N-[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4carboxamide

[0273] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)propylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)propyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.40 min, MH⁺ 442.

Example 94 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0274] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (1,1,3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 1-methyl-2-phenylethylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.43 min, MH⁺ 412.

Example 95 N-[2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0275] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-methylethylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.23 min, MH⁺ 472.

Example 96 N-[2-(4Methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0276] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 2-(4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-[2-(4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.34 min, MH⁺ 428.

Example 97 2′-Methyl-N-[3-(methylaminocarbonyl)benzyl]-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0277] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 3-aminomethyl-N-benzylamide (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give 2′-methyl-N-[3-(methylaminocarbonyl)benzyl]-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 2.95 min, MH⁺ 441.

Example 98 N-(3-Dimethylaminobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0278] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 3-dimethylaminobenzylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-(3-dimethylaminobenzyl)-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.11 min, MH⁺ 427.

Example 99 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0279] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 1-methyl-3-phenylpropylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(1-methyl-3-phenylpropyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.56 min, MH⁺ 426.

Example 100 N-[2-(3,4-Ethylenedioxyphenyl)ethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0280] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 6-(2-aminoethyl)-1,4-benzodioxan (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give N-[2-(3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl)ethyl]-2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.30 min, MH⁺ 456.

Example 101 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-phenylpropyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide

[0281] 2′-Methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (11.3 mg, 0.034 mmol), HOBT (6.0 mg, 0.044 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (8.0 mg, 0.042 mmol) and 2-phenylpropylamine (0.34 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.7 ml) and the reaction left at room temperature for 18 h. The DMF was evaporated under vacuum and the residue partitioned between DCM (0.4 ml) and water (0.4 ml). The organic phase was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5M, 0.2 ml) and the DCM evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by mass directed HPLC to give 2′-methyl-5′-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-N-(2-phenylpropyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide. LCMS; retention time 3.44 min, MH⁺ 412.

[0282] Abbreviations

[0283] DCM Dichloromethane

[0284] DME Dimethoxyethane

[0285] DMF Dimethylformamide

[0286] DMSO Dimethylsulphoxide

[0287] HATU O-(7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′, N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate

[0288] HBTU O-Benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate

[0289] HOBT 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate

[0290] PyBOP Benzotriazol-1-yl-oxy-tripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate

[0291] SPE Solid phase extraction

[0292] THF Tetrahydrofuran

[0293] The activity of the compounds of the invention as p38 inhibitors may be demonstrated in the following assays:

[0294] D38 Kinase Assay

[0295] The peptide substrate used in the p38 assay was biotin-IPTSPITTTYFFFRRR-amide. The p38 and MEK6 proteins were purified to homogeneity from E. coli expression systems. The fusion proteins were tagged at the N-terminus with Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST). The maximum activation was achieved by incubating 20 uL of a reaction mixture of 30 nM MEK6 protein and 120 nM p38 protein in the presence of 1.5 uM peptide and 10 mM Mg(CH₃CO₂)₂ in 100 mM HEPES, pH 7.5, added to 15 uL of a mixture of 1.5 uM ATP with 0.08 uCi [g-³³P]ATP, with or without 15 uL of inhibitor in 6% DMSO. The controls were reactions in the presence (negative controls) or absence (positive controls) of 50 mM EDTA. Reactions were allowed to proceed for 60 min at room temperature and quenched with addition of 50 uL of 250 mM EDTA and mixed with 150 uL of Streptavidin SPA beads (Amersham) to 0.5 mg/reaction. The Dynatech Microfluor white U-bottom plates were sealed and the beads were allowed to settle overnight. The plates were counted in a Packard TopCount for 60 seconds. IC₅₀ values were obtained by fitting raw data to % I=100*(1-(I-C2)/(C1-C2)), where I was CPM of background, C1 was positive control, and C2 was negative control.

[0296] αP38 Fluorescence Polarisation Method

[0297] αP38 was prepared in house. SB4777790-R Ligand was diluted in HEPES containing MgCl₂,CHAPS, DTT and DMSO. This was added to blank wells of a Black NUNC 384 well plate. αP38 was added to this ligand mixture then added to the remainder of the 384 well plate containing controls and compounds. The plates were read on an LJL Analyst and Fluorescence Anisotropy used to calculate the compound inhibition.

[0298] The application of which this description and claims forms part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described herein. They may take the form of product, composition, process or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I):

wherein R¹ is a phenyl group which may be optionally substituted; R² is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl and —(CH₂)_(p)—C₃₋₇cycloalkyl; R³ is the group

R⁴ is selected from hydrogen and C₁₋₄alkyl; U is selected from methyl and halogen; X and Y are each selected independently from hydrogen, methyl and halogen; m is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, and may be optionally substituted with up to two groups selected independently from C₁₋₆alkyl; n is selected from 0, 1 and 2; p is selected from 0, 1 and 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ is substituted by one or two substituents selected from halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, trifluoromethyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, benzyloxy, hydroxy, cyano, —CH₂CH₂OH, —(CH₂)_(p)—NHCH₃, —(CH₂)_(p)—N(CH₃)₂, —(CH₂)_(p)CONR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)CO₂R⁵, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COR⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)OCOR⁵, —(CH₂)_(p)OCONR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COOR⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)COR⁵, —(CH₂)_(p)SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵SO₂R⁶, —SO₂R⁵, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵CONR⁵R⁶ and —(CH₂)_(p)CONR⁵SO₂R⁶; wherein p is selected from 0, 1 and 2; and R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl and phenyl.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ is substituted by one or two substituents selected from halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, benzyloxy, hydroxy, cyano, hydroxyC₁₋₄alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)CO(CH₂)_(q)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵COOR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)COR⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)SO₂NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵SO₂R⁷, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)NR⁵CO(CH₂)_(q)NR⁵R⁶, —(CH₂)_(p)CONR⁵SO₂R⁷, and a phenyl group optionally substituted by group A or phenyloxy optionally substituted by a group A or R¹ is substituted by two adjacent substituents which, together with the carbon atoms to which they are bound, form a five- or six-membered saturated or unsaturated ring to give a fused bicyclic ring system.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R² is selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl and —CH₂-cyclopropyl.
 5. A compound according to claim 4 wherein R² is hydrogen.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁴ is C₁₋₄alkyl.
 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein m is selected from 0, 1 and
 2. 8. A compound according to claim 1 as defined in any one of Examples 1 to 101, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.
 9. A process for preparing a compound according to claim 1 which comprises: (a) reacting a compound of formula (XI)

wherein R³, U, X, Y and n are as defined in claim 1, with a compound of formula (XII) R¹(CH₂)_(m)NR²H   (XI) wherein R¹, R² and m are as defined above, under amide forming conditions; b) reacting a compound of formula (XIII)

wherein R³, X and Y are as defined in claim 1, with a compound of formula (XIV)

wherein R¹, R², U, m and n are as defined in claim 1 and hal is halogen, in the presence of a catalyst; or c) reacting a compound of formula (XV)

wherein R³, U, X, Y and n are as defined in claim 1, with a compound of formula (XVI) R¹(CH₂)_(m)NH₂   (XVI) wherein R¹ and m are as defined in claim 1, under amide forming conditions, followed by reaction with a compound of formula (XVII) R²-hal   (XVII) in which R² is as defined in claim 1 and hal is halogen, in the presence of a base.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in admixture with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients.
 11. A method for treating a condition or disease state mediated by p38 kinase activity or mediated by cytokines produced by the activity of p38 kinase comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. 12-13. (Cancelled) 